The Official 'WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER' Thread

[Julia Ann]

The reason Hogsmeade Village will be there instead of Diagon Alley is because with Hogwarts Castle being there, Diagon Alley CAN NOT be there, because in the books and movies, Diagon Alley is in London, not near Hogwarts Castle at all.

....but i thought that it was a magical land anyway so it doesn't really matter if it was london or not...i mean hey, germany and mexico are close in epot....as long as it looks fantastic i don't care

 

[silverhaze269]

This is all so exciting, I can't wait to see it when it's done!

I think the Chamber of Secrets idea is awesome! But, like it was pointed out, they're not going to be re-themeing that part of the park, so we're out of luck on that one, unfortunately.

Based on the polls that are up on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter site it's highly likely that we will see Butterbeer featured at the 3 Broomsticks. I think it's also likely that they will be making some kind of dragon ride including a Chinese Fireball, or re-themeing Dueling Dragons around that part of the triwizard tournament. Based on the latest poll, I'm thinking that they might try and work Olivanders in there somewhere so guests can purchase wands that choose their owners. Or, at the very least, they might have a kiosk somewhere that people can use for this.

I'd say keep a close eye on those polls because they might be the first indication of what they are thinking of including.

 

[damo]

I've been wondering about the logistics of Hogwarts. We know for sure that one large ride is going in with the kuka arm technology. Early reports from the creators also said that we would be allowed to explore the castle/school. This is the part that has me wondering. How will everyone logistically be able to roam the castle? From the building that we see now we know that the huge building at the back that was first erected will most likely be the kuka arm part and the newer area built in front of that is probably the exploring the castle part. It would be nice if this was something similar to the continual loading Haunted Mansion where you are actually in a moving vehicle and viewing things beside you. It could still be interactive as the creators talked about in the early videos. That would solve the nightmare of throngs of people exploring the castle at the same time.

 

[mom2aandj]

We're another Disney family who will be lured away by WWOHP. And I really like all the things I'm reading about Universal so far!! My children always have a a few days off of school at the end of October so hopefully it will open by summer 2010 and everything can be perfected by the time we go.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Am I the only one that fears a letdown? I know there are lots of great possibilities but in this economy, with Universal's financial problems (which they've realized for awhile) and the penchant of all themeparks projects to not live up to the hype, I'm very worried that this won't be as cool and realistic as everyone seems to be hoping for. Am I alone here?

 

[Julia Ann]

Am I the only one that fears a letdown? I know there are lots of great possibilities but in this economy, with Universal's financial problems (which they've realized for awhile) and the penchant of all themeparks projects to not live up to the hype, I'm very worried that this won't be as cool and realistic as everyone seems to be hoping for. Am I alone here?

Hopefully the funds are there already to complete it as Universal want it to be and not done on a budget - i guess there would be too much to lose if it was put together half heartedly or under budget. I remember delaying one of my trips waiting for IOA to be completed - especially Jurassic Park and being really disappointed with it, my imagination has no budget and i expected more from it, i think your own hype can make things be a let down if you have certain expectations. Lets hope it lives up to it this time

 

[micksterlee]

We are shooting for a Christmas of 2010 trip to IOA/US to take in Harry Potter and all the other special Christmas attractions.The only fear I have is the size of the crowds and being able to get a room on site.We went to WDW a few years ago for Christmas and it was packed,the crowds were big and waits were long.I am sure Universal will be crowded but has anyone been at Christmas and I wonder how much difference HP will make as far as the crowd.

 

[damo]

Am I the only one that fears a letdown? I know there are lots of great possibilities but in this economy, with Universal's financial problems (which they've realized for awhile) and the penchant of all themeparks projects to not live up to the hype, I'm very worried that this won't be as cool and realistic as everyone seems to be hoping for. Am I alone here?

From what has been built and is being built, I don't think we'll be disappointed.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Am I the only one that fears a letdown? I know there are lots of great possibilities but in this economy, with Universal's financial problems (which they've realized for awhile) and the penchant of all themeparks projects to not live up to the hype, I'm very worried that this won't be as cool and realistic as everyone seems to be hoping for. Am I alone here?

The budget for HP was secured before the financial meltdown, so you have nothing to worry about.

 

[minniejack]

We're another Disney family who will be lured away by WWOHP. And I really like all the things I'm reading about Universal so far!! My children always have a a few days off of school at the end of October so hopefully it will open by summer 2010 and everything can be perfected by the time we go.

Perfect timing for HHN.

We'll never get to experience HHN while the kids are in school; they'll never be able to take days off to go on vaca--just too much missed.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

It's not just the budget that has me concerned but the precedent that has been set. Look, IOA is a beautifully themed Park. IMO, it equals anything Disney or anyone else has accomplished. BUT, it isn't terribly loaded with things to do, other than shop or eat in many areas. My point is the HP world will certainly be beautiful and well put together but will there be anywhere enough to do especially in comparison to the hype everyone is feeding on?

 

[damo]

It's not just the budget that has me concerned but the precedent that has been set. Look, IOA is a beautifully themed Park. IMO, it equals anything Disney or anyone else has accomplished. BUT, it isn't terribly loaded with things to do, other than shop or eat in many areas. My point is the HP world will certainly be beautiful and well put together but will there be anywhere enough to do especially in comparison to the hype everyone is feeding on?

I'm just expecting one new big ride. That is all we've been told. Nobody should expect anything more than we've been told. I don't expect we'll be disappointed in that ride.

 

[dragonfly32837]

The initial plans included several attractions with one main major attraction. But this may have changed since then.

 

[Metro West]

Am I the only one that fears a letdown? I know there are lots of great possibilities but in this economy, with Universal's financial problems (which they've realized for awhile) and the penchant of all themeparks projects to not live up to the hype, I'm very worried that this won't be as cool and realistic as everyone seems to be hoping for. Am I alone here?

I think it will let down some who are really into the series mainly by the hardcore fans trying to nit pick every little details and the more casual fans will more than likely be impressed. I know nothing about HP...I've never seen the movies or read the books but I am really looking forward to this new area. I doubt seriously it's going to be a let down to me. I guess it's all relative.

 

[dicar123]

We are shooting for a Christmas of 2010 trip to IOA/US to take in Harry Potter and all the other special Christmas attractions.The only fear I have is the size of the crowds and being able to get a room on site.We went to WDW a few years ago for Christmas and it was packed,the crowds were big and waits were long.I am sure Universal will be crowded but has anyone been at Christmas and I wonder how much difference HP will make as far as the crowd.

I went Christmas of 07. We booked our room at the Royal Pacific about 6-7 months in advance. I don't know that it was necessary to book so early. If you plan to stay onsite (unless things have changed), your room key acts as a "fastpass". The park may have been crowded, but it didn't seem so to us. Nothing like Disney in summer! The room key worked beautifully and we hardly stood in lines at all.

The rooms will seem very expensive. When we booked, our per night rate was $300. You don't have to pay that. With discounts (super saver and AP rates) you can pay much less.

We had a fabulous time and are planning a trip Christmas of '10 to see Harry Potter too. Can't wait!!

 

[nyck]

I am planning a New years trip to disney in 2010 so I will have to try out the HP then. I love universal, but I can't make a vacation out just it. I usually go for the day while I am at disney. I don't have kids, so I am sure if I did it would take me longer than a day. But when all I right is the thrill stuff, I can do both parks in 1 day. I will however be buying the universal express pass for that trip, since I am sure it will be VERY crowded due to the time of year, plus with HP being new still

 

[amystevekai&bump]

we are all booked for New Years 2010/11 - can't wait!!! I think we will avoid Harry Potter on 12/30, 12/31 and 1/1 - we still have 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 & 1/5 - so hopefully it should quieten down by then!!

 

[Claire-Bear]

I like it! It'll be fun to see its interactions

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

We have it on our blog too. It looks pretty cool, and looks like the hog's head will be an interactive audioanimatronic.

Hmmmm, I wonder if I'll get a chance to see in person this during my trip this weekend? Hmmmm, I wonder... (rubbing chin)...

I would settle for just a sip of some Butterbeer.

http://www.disunplugged.com/2009/09/15/universal-releases-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-details/

 

[ChrisFL]

We have it on our blog too. It looks pretty cool, and looks like the hog's head will be an interactive audioanimatronic.

Hmmmm, I wonder if I'll get a chance to see in person this during my trip this weekend? Hmmmm, I wonder... (rubbing chin)...

this might help,